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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

PetSmart Charities Celebrates 5 Millionth Pet Adoption

PetSmart Charities announced that it has reached a milestone by helping to save 5 million pets from their in-store adoption centers with the adoption of Dodge, a 5-year-old Siberian husky. The 5 millionth pet was selected from all pets adopted from a PetSmart Charities adoption group during the weekend of June 1, 2012.

Dodge was turned in to the Save-a-Dog, Save-a-Cat Animal Rescue of Lake Worth, Fla., by his former family that had a young child with medical issues and could no longer care for him. Hoping to find him a perfect match, Dodge was taken to a PetSmart Charities adoption event in Boynton Beach, Fla.

George Little, a retired U.S. Marine and “Husky aficionado,” saw Dodge and immediately fell in love. George, his fiancé, Tracy, and their children, Gregory and Kennedy, welcomed Dodge to their family with open arms.

“Since childhood, I’ve always loved this breed,” George said. “It was something about their color and eyes that just got me. I am so excited to have Dodge as the newest member of our family.”

George and his family have volunteered for animal rescue groups in the past and are very aware of the issue of pet homelessness and of the importance of pet adoption.

This year in North America, about 8 million pets will end up in shelters. Half of these pets – or about 11,000 adoptable pets every day – will be euthanized. Through simple actions like donating, adopting, and sharing your story with others, you can be part of the solution to end pet homelessness.

“We’re grateful for the Little family for helping PetSmart Charities reach an important milestone through their adoption, as well as everyone who chooses to adopt through our in-store adoption centers,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities. “While 5 million lives saved is an important victory, there are still millions more pets that need homes.”

The Little family received pet parent perks to mark the adoption, including:

PetSmart Total Lifetime Care, which includes free pet training, grooming, boarding and pet supplies for life.